Pennsylvania Health Centers Seek $5M in State Funding to Shore Up ‘Crumbling’ Care Network
Community health centers cut their state funding request from $50M to $5M, warning lawmakers that Pennsylvania’s healthcare safety net for over 1 million patients is “crumbling.”
HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA — Community health centers serving over 1 million low-income patients across Pennsylvania made a scaled-back budget request to state lawmakers Wednesday, seeking $5 million in funding to support what one executive described as a “crumbling” healthcare safety net.
The Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers reduced its funding request significantly from last year’s $50 million ask, acknowledging the competing demands on Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed $53.2 billion state budget. The centers operate more than 450 locations statewide, providing primary care to communities with limited healthcare access.
“Because we are community based and community governed, we do whatever it takes to take care of our communities,” said Manal El Harrak, CEO of Sadler Health Center in Cumberland County. “We are the backbone of the primary care system here in the commonwealth and nationally. However, the backbone is crumbling.”
Pennsylvania Among Few States Without Dedicated Funding
Pennsylvania remains one of only four states without a dedicated budget line item for community health centers, despite their role as a critical safety net for underserved populations. While various state grants currently provide the largest revenue stream for these facilities, advocates argue dedicated funding would provide more stability.
The health centers serve predominantly low-income patients, with about 16% of patients falling into this category according to the association’s annual report. These federally qualified health centers provide comprehensive services beyond primary care, including dental services and pharmacy operations.
Addressing Healthcare Access Gaps
Pennsylvania Community Health Center CEO and President Shelley Riser spoke at the state Capitol Wednesday, emphasizing how community health centers help reduce barriers to quality healthcare across the commonwealth. The presentation highlighted persistent gaps in healthcare access and outcomes, exacerbated by rising medical costs.
The centers position themselves as cost-effective alternatives that can improve health outcomes while reducing overall healthcare spending. Their community-based model allows them to tailor services to local needs and serve as accessible entry points into the healthcare system.
Budget Competition Intensifies
The modest $5 million request reflects the challenging budget environment facing state lawmakers as they consider Democratic Governor Shapiro’s spending proposal. Multiple agencies and organizations are competing for limited state resources, forcing advocates to prioritize their most essential needs.
Health center officials argued that even this reduced investment would help stabilize operations and maintain services for vulnerable populations who often lack other healthcare options. The facilities serve as primary care providers in communities where private practices may be scarce or unaffordable for low-income residents.
State legislators will consider the community health center funding request as part of broader budget deliberations in the coming months. The centers’ advocates hope their track record of serving over one million patients annually will demonstrate their value as a healthcare investment.
